Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed on Sunday that the opening of an Iranian consulate in Turkiye’s eastern city of Van will take place in the near future, highlighting broad alignment between Tehran and Ankara on regional issues, particularly regarding Palestine and ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

During a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Araghchi said cooperation between the two countries “will continue moving forward,” noting that their talks focused on bilateral relations and regional developments, with emphasis on the Palestinian cause and the need to work together to stop crimes committed against the Palestinian people.

He stressed that “the Israeli regime has broader plans to destabilize the region,” adding that continuous attacks on Syria and Lebanon prove that the greatest threat to regional security is the occupation entity.

Araghchi described Iran and Turkiye as “friendly nations,” stating that the border between them is a “border of peace and friendship.” He emphasized that stability in Syria is directly tied to the security of the region and that regional states must prevent the expansionist ambitions pursued by the Israeli occupation.

He concluded by reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to combating terrorism as a “dangerous phenomenon threatening the entire region.”

Turkiye: cooperation must deepen, sanctions must end

For his part, Fidan called for continued and strengthened cooperation between Ankara and Tehran, especially on migration management. He said the upcoming visit of Turkiye’s president to Tehran will help resolve several outstanding issues between the two sides.

Fidan reiterated Ankara’s support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and called for the lifting of all “unjust sanctions” imposed on the Islamic Republic.

The Turkish foreign minister arrived in Tehran earlier on Sunday and met with Araghchi at the Foreign Ministry headquarters.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei previously stated that Fidan would meet senior Iranian officials for consultations on bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments. 

Saudi Arabia, Iran hold talks on mutual interests

In a parallel diplomatic engagement, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister for Political and Economic Affairs Saud bin Mohammed al-Sati also visited Tehran on Sunday for discussions with Araghchi. 

Araghchi received al-Sati on Sunday at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran. According to Iranian diplomatic sources, the two officials discussed topics of mutual interest and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.

The visit is part of ongoing diplomatic consultations between Tehran and Riyadh aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing major regional issues, including the situation in occupied Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.

Both sides are expected to continue coordination through upcoming engagements as part of efforts to maintain the momentum in the restored relationship between the two neighboring states.